System and apparatus for backlighting swimming pools

ABSTRACT

Lighting systems and apparatus for a swimming pool, having a sidewall sized and shaped to define a perimeter of the swimming pool, a liner for covering the sidewall and a bottom of the swimming pool so as to create a watertight cavity for receiving water, the liner including a light-transmitting portion, and a backlighting apparatus for mounting to a generally continuous surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall and configured to transmit light through the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus includes a housing configured for mounting on the surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall, the housing having a light-transmitting front cover configured to align with the light-transmitting portion of the liner, and at least one light source sized and shaped to fit within the housing for emitting light through the front cover to illuminate the pool. In other embodiments, the backlighting apparatus includes a rear sheet portion for mounting on the surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall, a light-transmitting cover sheet portion connected to the rear sheet portion, and at least one light source provided between the rear sheet portion and the cover sheet portion for emitting light through the cover sheet portion and the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to lighting apparatus for pools, and in particularto systems and apparatus for illuminating swimming pools.

BACKGROUND

Systems and apparatus for illuminating pools, such as swimming pools orhot tubs, have become common and desired features for a number ofdifferent reasons, including facilitating swimming in reduced or lowlighting conditions as well as providing increased aesthetic appeal. Thesystems and apparatus often include one or more electrical devices thatare powered by an electrical power source to provide the desiredillumination.

However, there are some risks associated with providing such electricaldevices in close proximity to the water commonly found in pools, mostnotably the risk of electric shock to persons using the pools. As aresult, pool lighting systems are typically subject to governmentregulations. For example, one common requirement is that the electricalcomponents of a pool lighting system be either completely waterproof orelse be positioned at a certain distance away from the pool water tominimize the risks of electric shock.

There are generally two types of pool lighting systems that have beendeveloped in response to the challenges associated with illuminatingpools. The first type provides underwater lighting, where one or morecomponents of the system (such as a lamp) are provided with waterproofseals and are located near or below the waterline of the pool. Thesecond type provides above water lighting, where the components of thesystem are located above the waterline, preferably at a substantialdistance from the water, to minimize any risks of electrical shock.

One example of the first type of system is an underwater light describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,599 (St-Hilaire). St-Hilaire discloses a portholeassembly adapted to be mounted in an opening provided in a wall of aswimming pool. The assembly includes a lamp unit holder ring mounted tothe outer face of the pool wall, and a transparent cover plate disposedon the inner face of the pool wall in direct contact with water in theswimming pool. Screws are used to secure the holder ring and the coverplate to the swimming pool wall in a watertight arrangement with thetransparent cover plate so as to prevent pool water from contacting thescrews. The porthole assembly may be mounted to the wall of an aboveground swimming pool as well as to an in-ground swimming pool.

One problem with lights such as that of St-Hilaire is that duringinstallation of the lights, the pool liner must often be cut and a holeformed in the wall of the pool. This can increase the complexity andcosts associated with the manufacturing and/or the installation of thepool. Furthermore, since the cover plate is in direct contact with thepool water, the cover plate must be sealed over the porthole using agasket or another sealing means to protect the electrical componentsbehind the plate from exposure to pool water. Such seals can becumbersome, and are often problematic when removing the cover to serviceor replace the lamp unit, as repeated removal of the cover can weaken ordamage the gasket or seal. Furthermore, the gasket or seal may not befully effective in preventing leaks, and over extended periods of timewater may seep into the lamp unit, damaging the electrical components orresulting in increased risk of injury to persons using the pool.

One example of the second type of lighting systems is an above waterlight described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,933 (Stegmeier). Stegmeier solvessome of the difficulties presented by the first type of lighting systemby positioning the light above the water line away from direct contactwith the pool water. Stegmeier discloses securing elongated lengths oftrack lighting in a coping face of a liner type swimming pool. The tracksupports elongated longitudinal lengths of fiber optic strips above theinterior perimeter of a pool wall away from the surface of the water.

However, above water lights such as Stegmeier also have theirdisadvantages. To avoid direct contact with the water, the lightfixtures of such lights are provided above the water surface and aregenerally visible to an observer, even when they are not in use, whichmay be undesirable. Furthermore, such lights may not provide sufficientillumination to the pool during use, particularly the underwaterportions of the pool, given the distance of the light from the water.While greater illumination can be achieved using larger fiber opticlights, these types of lights can be unsightly and have a negativeimpact on the aesthetics of the pool.

Accordingly, there is a need for a pool lighting system and apparatusthat provides improved illumination without negatively impacting theaesthetics of the swimming pool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a lighting system for a swimmingpool, comprising a sidewall sized and shaped to define a perimeter ofthe swimming pool, a liner for covering the sidewall and a bottom of theswimming pool so as to create a watertight cavity for receiving water,the liner including a light-transmitting portion, and a backlightingapparatus for mounting to a generally continuous surface of the sidewallbetween the liner and the sidewall and configured to transmit lightthrough the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate theswimming pool.

The backlight apparatus may comprise a housing configured for mountingon the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall, the housing having alight-transmitting front cover configured to align with thelight-transmitting portion of the liner, and at least one light sourcesized and shaped to fit within the housing for emitting light throughthe front cover to illuminate the pool. The housing may comprise a rearwall providing a mounting surface for mounting the housing to thesurface of the sidewall, wherein the at least one light source issecured to the rear wall.

Another aspect of the present invention is a backlighting apparatus fora swimming pool having a sidewall defining a perimeter of the swimmingpool and a waterproof liner for covering the sidewall comprising ahousing for mounting to a generally continuous surface of the sidewallbetween the sidewall and the liner, the housing comprising alight-transmitting front cover configured to align with alight-transmitting portion of the liner, and at least one light sourceshaped and sized to fit within the housing for emitting light throughthe front cover and the light-transmitting portion of the liner toilluminate the swimming pool.

Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent tothose ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of some exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments, and to show more clearlyhow they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by wayof example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a corner section of a swimming poolhaving a lighting system installed according to one embodiment of aninvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the swimming pool ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a section of the swimming pool of FIG. 1showing the liner removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the section of the swimming pool of FIG.3 showing the liner having a decorative pattern;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pool wall and liner of FIG. 4showing the liner being backlit in low ambient light conditions;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of LED modules for use as a lighting sourcefor the lighting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a panel for forming a swimmingpool having a lighting system according to one embodiment, shown withthe light sources attached but without the cover;

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the panel of FIG. 7A shown withthe cover and light sources attached;

FIG. 7C is a side elevation view of the panel of FIG. 7A with the coverand light sources removed;

FIG. 7D is a front elevation view of the panel of FIG. 7A with the coverremoved;

FIG. 8A is a rear perspective view of a panel for forming a swimmingpool having a lighting system according to another embodiment with thepot-lights and cover shown;

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of the panel of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a section of a swimming poolincorporating a backlighting apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the section of the swimming pool ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a section of a swimming poolincorporating a backlighting apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a backlighting apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a section of a swimming poolincorporating the backlighting apparatus of FIG. 10A; and

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the backlighting apparatus of FIG. 10Aprovided on a roll.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a corner section of aswimming pool 10 having a lighting system shown generally as 12 made inaccordance with one embodiment of an invention. It will be appreciatedthat while specific reference is made to swimming pools, the systems andapparatus described herein could be used with other artificial pools,such as hot tubs, ponds or other man-made pools.

The lighting system 12 comprises a plurality of vertical sidewallmembers 20 sized and shaped to define a sidewall of the swimming pool10, a liner 14 for covering the sidewall and a bottom B of the swimmingpool 10 so as to create a watertight cavity for receiving water W in theswimming pool 10, the liner 14 having a light-transmitting portion 16,and a backlighting apparatus 21 located behind the liner 14 andconfigured for transmitting light through the light-transmitting portion16 of the liner 14 to illuminate the swimming pool 10. As described ingreater detail below, the backlighting apparatus 21 generally includes ahousing 28 having an opening proximate the liner 14, one or morelighting sources 22 located in the housing 28, and a light-transmittingcover 24 for closing the opening of the housing 28 to protect the lightsources 22.

Sidewall members 20 of the lighting system 12 generally comprise aplurality of vertically oriented panels extending upwardly from a groundsurface G to define a generally continuous outer perimeter P of theswimming pool 10. The sidewall members 20 define the overall shape ofthe swimming pool 10, and act as a support for the liner 14 and thebacklighting apparatus 21.

The sidewall members 20 can generally have any desired shape accordingto the design of any particular swimming pool 10. In some embodiments,the sidewall members 20 can have a generally planar shape, for exampleexemplary first sidewall portion 20 a and second sidewall portion 20 b,as shown in FIG. 3. Planar sidewall members 20 can be configured toprovide the swimming pool 10 with a generally rectangular shape, asshown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the sidewall members 20 can havecurved or other shapes according to the particular design of theswimming pool 10. For example, the swimming pool 10 can have a circularor a kidney shape formed using sidewall members 20 having various curvedshapes.

To maintain their vertical alignment with respect to the ground surfaceG, the sidewall members 20 can be supported from behind in someembodiments using backfill 26 and one or more braces 27. Each brace 27comprises a longitudinal member extending from an upper end 27 a, wherethe brace 27 engages the sidewall portion 20 at an angle, to a lower end27 b having a foot portion 27 c resting on the ground surface G. Thebraces 27 can be provided at predetermined spaced locations along outerperimeter P of the swimming pool 10 according to the design of theparticular swimming pool 10 to provide for even distribution of theloads on the sidewall members 20. The backfill 26 and braces 27 assistin providing lateral support for the vertical sidewall members 20 tostabilize the swimming pool 10 when water is added.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the swimming pool 10can be an in-ground pool, while in other embodiments, the swimming pool10 can be an above-ground pool. Accordingly, the configuration of thesidewall members 20, the backfill 26 and the braces 27 will varyaccording the type of swimming pool 10 being provided.

In some embodiments, the upper end 20 c of the sidewall members 20 canbe covered by a finishing trim 62 for protecting the sidewall members20, and/or backfill 26, braces 27 and backlighting apparatus 21. Thefinishing trim 62 can be any suitable resilient material, such as agalvanized steel or plastic, and can be designed to provide the swimmingpool 10 with an aesthetically pleasing look. In some embodiments, suchas where the swimming pool 10 is an in-ground pool, instead of thefinishing trim, the upper end 20 c of the sidewall members 20 could becovered using another suitable cover, such as a permanent orsemi-permanent walkway formed of a concrete, patio stones, or othermaterial.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall members 20 each generally includean inner liner contact surface 23 that is shaped for receiving the liner14. For example, the first sidewall portion 20 a has a first linercontact surface 23 a, and the second sidewall portion 20 b has a secondliner contact surface 23 b.

The liner 14 is typically a continuous and flexible watertight membraneor sheet that is made of a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), arubber, or other suitably resilient material. In some embodiments, theliner is between 0.012 to 0.030 inches thick. It will be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the liner 14 could be of different thicknessesaccording to the needs of a particular application. For example, whereit is desirable to have a more rugged liner 14, the liner 14 could bemade of a thicker plastic material.

The liner 14 is generally shaped and sized to overlie the sidewallmembers 20 (engaging with the liner contact surfaces 23) around theperimeter P of the swimming pool 10 and rest on the bottom B of swimmingpool 10. In this manner, the liner 14 functions so as create awatertight cavity for retaining water in the swimming pool 10.

The liner 14 includes at least one light-transmitting portion 16 locatedso as to register at least partially with the lighting system 12 so thatlight emitted from the lighting system 12 can pass through the liner 14,backlighting the liner 14 and illuminating the swimming pool 10.

The light-transmitting portion 16 is generally a portion of the liner 14having material characteristics such that a predetermined amount oflight can pass therethrough. For example, in some embodiments, thelight-transmitting portion 16 can be a transparent portion of liner 14.In other embodiments, the light-transmitting portion 16 can be atranslucent portion of liner 14.

In some embodiments, the liner 14 can include one or more decorativepatterns 18, such as a tile motif or other design. In some embodiments,the light-transmitting portion 16 and decorative pattern 18 are at leastpartially aligned, such that light passing through thelight-transmitting portion 16 will illuminate all or a portion of thedecorative pattern 18. The decorative pattern 18 may include portions ofvarying light transmittance, including various colors and shades as wellas portions that are translucent, transparent, or opaque, which mayfurther enhance the aesthetics of the swimming pool 10.

In some embodiments, the liner 14 may be fabricated from a clear orcolored vinyl sheet (such as PVC), which may then be printed or dyedwith any desired colors or patterns. For example, the liner 14 may havea solid color or pattern 44 on a majority of the liner 14 and thedecorative pattern 18 printed on one or more locations. In otherembodiments, the liner 14 can be provided without any decorativepattern. For example, in some embodiments, the liner 14 may compriseclear, white and/or colored portions, or be partially or mostly opaque.

With reference now to FIG. 2 in particular, the lighting system 12generally includes the backlighting apparatus 21 connected to thesidewall members 20. The backlighting apparatus 21 is positioned behindthe liner 14 (on the side of the liner 14 away from water W in theswimming pool 10) such that the backlighting apparatus 21 is protectedfrom exposure to the water W by the waterproof liner 14, which extendsupward past the waterline W_(L) to a location proximate the finishingtrim 62.

The backlighting apparatus 21 generally comprises the housing 28 havingan opening proximate the liner 14, one or more lighting sources 22located in the housing 28, and the light-transmitting cover 24 forclosing the opening of the housing 28 to protect the light sources 22.As shown in FIG. 2, the opening of the housing 28 is generally sized andlocated to register with at least a portion of the light-transmittingportion 16 of the liner 14.

In some embodiments, the housing 28 is generally rectangular in crosssection and includes opposing horizontal top wall 30 a and bottom wall30 b that extend rearward from the opening, away from the liner 14 andinto the backfill 26. A vertical back wall 31 connects the top wall 30 aand bottom wall 30 b.

In some embodiments, the housing 28 can be provided as a separatefixture that is secured in an aperture provided in the sidewall members20. Alternatively, the housing 28 can be a recessed portion of thesidewall members 20 that is integrally formed within the sidewallmembers 20. For example, the top wall 30 a and bottom wall 30 b andvertical back wall 31 may be recessed within the sidewall portion 20where the sidewall portion 20 comprises a panel made of stamped metal orextruded piece of plastic, as discussed in more detail below.

The backlighting apparatus 21 also includes one or more light sources 22for generating light, the light sources 22 being located in the recessedportion of the housing 28. The light sources 22 are configured to emitlight towards the opening of the housing 28 though thelight-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14 to illuminate the swimmingpool 10. The light sources 22 are mounted on track members 25 that aresecured to the vertical wall 31.

The light sources 22 can include any suitable type of electricallighting, for example strip or fluorescent lighting, incandescent bulbs,light emitting diode modules (LED modules), or fiber optic strips. Thelight sources 22 can provide light of a particular color or severalcolors, which can enhance aesthetics of the swimming pool 10 or improveillumination. The light sources 22 can be powered by a low-voltage,high-current power source (not shown) so as to reduce the risk of injuryfrom electric shock to persons using the swimming pool 10.

In some embodiments, it is generally desirable that the light sources 22provide a generally continuous distribution of light around at least aportion of the perimeter P of the swimming pool 10. To facilitate this,the housings 28 of the backlighting apparatus 21 of each sidewall member20 are generally provided in alignment with each other, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, first housing 28 a ofthe first sidewall portion 20 a is generally aligned with second housing28 b of the second sidewall portion 20 b, and can be said to generallydefine a “channel” C running along the entirety of the first sidewallportion 20 a and second sidewall portion 20 b.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, “channel” C can be continuous throughcorner section S of the swimming pool 10. In this manner, the lightingsystem 12 can be provided around the entirety of, or at least a portionof, the perimeter P of the swimming pool 10, to provide continuousbacklighting of the light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14. The“channel” C also provides a conduit for housing any electrical wiringnecessary for connecting the light sources 22 to an electrical powersupply (not shown), such as a residential or commercial power supply, oran alternative supply such as a wind turbine or solar generator.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, “channel” C is generallyhorizontal with respect to the ground surface G. It will be appreciatedthat channel “C” can be disposed at an angle with respect to the groundsurface G, and may not run continuously around the perimeter P of theswimming pool 10, but may only extend along a portion of the sidewall ofthe swimming pool 10. In some embodiments, a plurality of channels canbe provided.

Each backlighting apparatus 21 also includes light-transmitting cover 24for positioning at the opening of the housing 28. The light-transmittingcover 24 is preferably made of a panel of translucent or transparentmaterial, such as a polycarbonate or acrylic glass (i.e. polymethylmethacrylate), to allow the light generated by the light sources 22 topass easily therethrough for backlighting the liner 14. In someembodiments, the cover 24 may be tinted to illuminate swimming pool 10with a particular color of light to further improve the aesthetic appealof the swimming pool 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the walls 30 of the housing 28 may include one ormore ledges 32 located proximate the liner 14 for receiving the cover24. The ledges 32 typically have a depth corresponding to the thicknessof cover 24 such that the cover 24 will rest generally flush with theouter liner contact surface 23 of sidewall members 20 (such as 23 a and23 b, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) to form a flat continuous surfacefor receiving the liner 14. In some embodiments, the light cover 24 canbe attached to the ledges 32 of the sidewall members 20 using a bead ofadhesive 33 or removable fasteners, such as screws or snap fittings,which can inhibit the cover 24 shifting after the liner 14 has beeninstalled in the swimming pool 10.

Once in place, the cover 24 generally serves as a rigid protectivebarrier for protecting the light sources 22 while providing a continuoussurface for receiving liner 14. Since liner 14 is positioned betweencover 24 and the water W in the swimming pool 10, it is not necessary tocompletely seal the cover 24 to the sidewall members 20 or to any otherpart of the backlighting apparatus 21 to prevent water from leaking intothe housing 28 and contacting the backlighting apparatus 21, as thewaterproof liner 14 covers and seals the backlighting apparatus 21 frompool water W.

The lighting system 12 thus lends itself towards relatively simpleinstallation, without the need to cut holes in the liner 14 duringinstallation. Furthermore, lighting system 12 can also provide aestheticappeal by providing illumination of the swimming pool 10 without havingany light apparatus visible to an observer when not is use.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments the light-transmittingportion 16 has a mid-point 16 c typically located at the water surfaceW_(L) when a pre-determined amount of water W is in the swimming pool 10such that during use, an upper portion 16 a of the light-transmittingportion 16 lies above the water surface W_(L) while a lower portion 16 bof the light-transmitting portion 16 lies below the water surface W_(L).This configuration allows light from the backlighting apparatus 21 to bedirected concurrently both above and below the water surface W_(L) toprovide a desired illumination of the swimming pool 10.

In other embodiments, the light-transmitting portion 16 may be locatedentirely above or below the water surface W_(L) during use, according toa desired lighting application. For example, lighting the swimming pool10 entirely from above the water surface W_(L) may enhance theaesthetics of the swimming pool 10, while lighting the swimming pool 10entirely from below the water surface W_(L) may enhance illumination ofthe water W of the swimming pool 10 for facilitating swimming in lowambient light.

Generally, the sidewall members 20 can be formed of any suitably rigidmaterial sufficient to resist deflection and define the perimeter P ofthe swimming pool 10 when water W is provided. In some embodiments, thesidewall members 20 comprise one or more panels members formed of asuitable material, such as a concrete (including gunite or shotcrete),sheet metal (such as galvanized steel), thermoplastics (such as apolycarbonate), thermosets, or composite materials (such as carbon fiberor fiberglass).

As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, the sidewallmembers 20 can be formed using one or more interconnected pre-formedpanels. For example, turning to FIG. 3, exemplary sidewall members 20 a,20 b can each be separate panel members that have been interconnected toform a portion of the sidewall of the swimming pool 10.

FIG. 3 also shows the light-transmitting cover 24 covering the lightsources 22 and connected to the exemplary sidewall members 20 a, 20 b.In some embodiments, the cover 24 can be provided as a continuous memberextending across multiple sidewall members 20 a, 20 b. In otherembodiments, each sidewall portion 20 a, 20 b can be provided with itsown light-transmitting cover 24, which may be particularly advantageouswhere the sidewall members 20 are of a curved shape.

It will be noted from FIG. 3 that the cover 24 and liner contact surface23 form a generally flush surface, in this case a planar surface, forreceiving the liner 14. In other embodiments, the cover 24 and linercontact surface 23 may form an uneven, non-planar surface. In suchembodiments, this uneven surface can be accommodated by providing theliner 14 having a corresponding non-uniform cross-section.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a section of the swimming pool 10 is shown withthe liner 14 installed. The liner 14 covers the light-transmitting cover24 of the backlighting apparatus 21, preventing any water W in theswimming pool 10 from engaging the backlighting apparatus 21. The liner14 also provides the light-transmitting portion 16 in alignment with thebacklighting apparatus 21 to allow the light emitted by the backlightingapparatus 21 to pass through the light-transmitting portion 16 tobacklight the liner 14 and illuminate the swimming pool 10.

In some embodiments, the liner 14 can include the decorative pattern 18,shown here as a tile mosaic. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, thedecorative pattern 18 may extend horizontally around the perimeter P ofswimming pool 10 as a strip that is generally coincident with thelight-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14. In one embodiment, thedecorative pattern 18 may include two tile strips 18 a, 18 b, a seriesof large diamonds 18 c, a series of small diamonds 18 d positionedwithin the large diamonds 18 c, and tile borders 18 e surrounding thelarge diamonds 18 c. The large diamonds 18 c are located between the twotile strips 18 a, 18 b, which in some embodiments are separated byapproximately 10 cm. The arrangement of large diamonds 18 c, smalldiamonds 18 d and tile borders 18 e can be continuously repeated betweentile strips 18 a, 18 b around the perimeter P of swimming pool 10.

In some embodiments, each portion 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e of thedecorative pattern 18 can be a different color or have varying lighttransmittance properties. In other embodiments, different decorativepatterns may be used, for example, decorative pattern 18 may featurewaves, snowflakes, fish, flowers or other aesthetically pleasingpatterns instead of a diamond pattern.

During use of the lighting system 12, the backlighting apparatus 21illuminates the swimming pool 10 by backlighting the liner 14, which canprovide increased aesthetic qualities to the swimming pool 10 as well asfacilitate use of the swimming pool 10 in low ambient light conditions,such as at night. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the lightingsystem 12 is operated in low ambient light conditions, thelight-transmitting portion 16 of the liner is illuminated, providing theswimming pool 10 with a desired level of illumination. In someembodiments, the varying light transmittance provided by the decorativepattern 18 can be visually appealing to an observer.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is a strip of LED modules 40that may be usable as a light source 22. Each LED module 40 includes anLED body 42 connected to one or more LEDs 44. LEDs 44 can be any colorof LED according to the desired needs of a particular lightingapplication. For example, in some embodiments the LEDs 44 could bewhite, green, blue, red or any other desired color.

As shown, multiple LED modules 40 can be connected together and coupledto an electrical power source (not shown) by wires 46. It will beappreciated that, during use with the lighting system 12, the wires 46of the LED modules 40 can be provided in the “channel” C to connect tothe power source. In other embodiments, the housings 28 of the sidewallmembers 20 can include one or more openings that allow the wires 46 topass through the sidewall members 20 and into the backfill 26 to becoupled to the electrical power source. In some embodiments, the LEDmodules 40 could be OSRAM SYLVANIA™ LED modules.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A to 7D, there is shown a panel 50 for forming thesidewall members 20 of the swimming pool 10 made in accordance with oneembodiment of an invention. The panel 50 includes a front wall 52 (shownhere as a flat, generally planar portion), which generally provides theliner contact surface 23 for engaging the liner 14. The panel 50 alsoincludes a pair of opposing vertical side flange members 54 (as bestshown in FIG. 7B) extending rearwardly from side edges 52 a, 52 b of thefront wall 52, a bottom flange member 56 extending rearwardly frombottom edge 52 c of the front wall 52, and a top flange member 58extending rearwardly from a top edge 52 d of the front wall 52 The sideflange members 54 are connected to the top flange member 58 at upperedges 54 a, 54 b, and to the bottom flange member 56 at lower edges 54c, 54 d.

The side flange members 54, bottom flange member 56 and top flangemember 58 assist the front wall 52 in providing rigidity to the panel50, with the bottom flange member 56 generally resting on the groundsurface G, and the upper member 58 generally defining the top of thesidewall portion 20 during use.

In some embodiments, the top flange member 58 is wider than the sideflanges 54 and the side flanges 54 include a rear protrusion 64extending rearwardly from the side flange members 54 to accommodate thewider top flange member 58. The rear protrusion 64 can provideadditional support to the top flange member 58 and to the finishing trim62 during use, as well as facilitate interconnection of multiple panels50.

As best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the front wall 52 of the panel 50 alsoincludes a recessed portion 80 having opposing top wall 82, bottom wall84, and a rear vertical wall 86 offset rearwardly from the front wall52. The top wall 82, bottom wall 84 and rear wall 86 of the recessedportion 80 cooperate to define the housing 28 of the lighting apparatus21 for receiving the light sources 22 and the cover 24. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7C, the recessed portion 80 is proximate the top flangemember 58. It will be appreciated, however, that the recessed potion 80could be located at different locations in the panel 50.

The side flanges 54 have cut-outs between the top flange member 58 andthe bottom flange member 56 to register with the recessed portion 80. Insome embodiments, the side flange members 54 comprise a plurality ofthrough holes 60 which allow multiple panels 50 to be connected side byside (using lag bolts or other suitable fasteners) to form the perimeterP of the swimming pool 10. In other embodiments, the side flange members54 can be fastened using any other suitable techniques, such as by theuse of slotted tabs or other techniques.

In some embodiments, the panel 50 (including the front wall 52, sideflange members 54, bottom flange member 56, and top flange member 58) ismade of sheet metal, such as 18-gauge galvanized steel. The panel 50 canbe made by cutting, folding, and joining the sheet of metal (such as bywelding, brazing, bolting or riveting) to form the front wall 52, theside flange members 54, the bottom flange member 56, the top flangemember 58 and the recessed portion 80, using techniques as known in theart.

In other embodiments, the panel 50 can be formed of any other suitablematerial. For example, the panel 50 could be formed of a moldedthermoplastic or thermoset, a carbon fiber, or a fiberglass.Furthermore, as described above, while the panel 50 shown is generallyplanar in shape, other configurations, such as curved panels or panelshaving built-in corners or other shapes could also be provided.

Turning now to FIG. 8A and 8B, a panel 50 a is shown according toanother embodiment having pot-lights 72 as lighting sources 22. Panel 50a is similar to panel 50, and includes similar features including afront wall 52, side flanges 54, bottom flange 56, top flange 58, holes60, rear protrusion 64, and recessed portion 80 a including top wall 82,bottom wall 84 and vertical back wall 86 a. In this embodiment, backwall 86 a of panel 50 a includes a pair of circular openings 71 forreceiving the pot-lights 72.

The pot-lights 72 comprise a fixture having a forward portion 74 thatextends forwardly through the openings 71 from the rear wall 86′ andinto the recessed portion 80 a. The pot-lights 72 also include a rearportion 76 that extends rearwardly from the openings 71 in the back wall86 a of the panel 50 a into the backfill 26. The pot-lights 72 arespaced apart a pre-determined distance D (as shown in FIG. 8A) toprovide illumination of the light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner14 that is generally uniform across the light-transmitting portion 16 ofthe liner 14 during use. In other embodiments, the pre-determineddistance D can be larger or smaller to provide non-uniform lighting ofthe light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, installation of the swimming pool 10 willnow be generally described according to one embodiment.

First, a suitable ground surface G must be provided. In someembodiments, such as where the swimming pool 10 is an in-ground pool,the ground surface G can be prepared by excavating soil from aparticular location to a pre-determined depth. In other embodiments,such as where the swimming pool 10 is an above-ground pool, excavationmay not be required.

In some embodiments, it is generally desirable that the ground surface Gbe level to provide a uniform depth to the swimming pool 10. In otherembodiments, when different depths are desired in different regions ofthe swimming pool 10, the ground surface G can be provided withdifferent portions having different elevations and slopes according tothe design of a particular swimming pool 10. For example, it may bedesirable to provide the swimming pool 10 with a deep end having adeeper ground surface G and a shallow end having a shallower groundsurface G. It will of course be appreciated that varying the depth ofthe swimming pool 10 at various locations may require the use ofsidewall portions 20 having different sizes, shapes, and lengths toprovide a generally uniform upper surface around the perimeter P of theswimming pool 10.

After preparing the ground surface G, the sidewall members 20 areerected vertically to define the perimeter P of the swimming pool 10. Insome embodiments, such as where the sidewall members 20 comprise one ormore panels 50, the panels 50 can be interconnected by joining adjacentflange members 54 using fasteners in holes 60, or other suitabletechniques.

Once the sidewall members 20 have been erected vertically, braces 27 canthen be installed to provide lateral support to the sidewall members 20.In some embodiments, backfill 26 can be provided behind the sidewallmembers 20 in additional to, or as an alternative to, the braces 27 toprovide additional structural support.

Once the sidewall members 20 are erected and sufficiently supported, thelighting system 12 can be installed. In some embodiments, the lightingsources 22 will then be installed in the housings 28. In someembodiments, such as where the lighting sources 22 comprise LED modules40, this may require running electrical wires (such as wires 46) fromthe lighting sources 22 to an electrical power source via the “channel”C or an alternative pathway, such as through the backfill 26. Once thelighting sources 22 have been installed, the cover plate 24 can then beplaced over the opening of the housings 28 and secured in place using,for example, adhesive, screws, snap fittings, or other suitablefasteners.

After installing the lighting system 12, the liner 14 can be installedin the swimming pool 10. The liner 14 is installed over the sidewallmembers 20 by engaging the liner 14 with the liner contact surface 23such that the light-transmitting portion 16 registers at least partiallywith the lighting system 12. Liner 14 is then secured in place byattachment to the perimeter P of the swimming pool 10 using techniquesas known in the art. Once the liner 14 has been installed, the swimmingpool 10 can be filled with a pre-determined amount of water W.

In some embodiments, there may be several light-transmitting portions 16located at different locations on the liner 14 such that the lightingsystem 12 provides illumination to the swimming pool 10 by selectivelybacklighting different light-transmitting portions 16 of the liner 14.

When there is a need to service the backlighting apparatus 21, such asto replace the light source 22, the backlighting apparatus 21 can beaccessed by detaching liner 14 from the liner contact surface 23 of thesidewall portion 20. For example, the liner 14 can be pulled back toexpose the cover 24, which can then be removed. The light sources 22 canthen be accessed for servicing and replacement via the opening in thehousing 28.

In some embodiments, one or more of the walls 30 a, 30 b, 31 may includea reflective coating to enhance illuminative characteristics of lightingapparatus 10. Walls 30 a, 30 b, 31 can also have a non-planar shape toassist in directing the light generated by the light sources 22 towardsthe light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14. For example, thewalls 30 a, 30 b, 31 may be elliptical or parabolic in shape to focuslight towards the light-transmitting portion 16.

In some embodiments, the walls 30 a, 30 b, 31 may be configured todirect light at a slight downward angle towards the bottom B of theswimming pool 10 to assist in improving illumination of the swimmingpool 10 in low ambient lighting. In other embodiments, the walls 30 a,30 b, 31 may be configured to direct light at a slight upward angle awayfrom the bottom B of the swimming pool 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustrated therein is a backlightingapparatus 121 made in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Backlighting apparatus 121 is configured to be mounted on agenerally continuous surface of a sidewall 120. This allows thebacklighting apparatus 121 to be used, for example, with existing poolswithout modifying the sidewall 120 of the pool. In some embodiments, thebacklighting apparatus 121 could used for retrofitting of a conventionalpool to provide backlighting by mounting the backlighting apparatus 121on the surface of an existing vertical wall of the pool.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the backlighting apparatus 121 can be mounted onthe generally continuous surface of the sidewall 120 between thesidewall 120 and the liner 14 of the pool. The generally continuoussurface can have various shapes and configurations, for example, it canbe a planar or curved surface, but generally provides a continuoussurface lacking any discontinuities in the area where the backlightingapparatus 121 is mounted, i.e. the generally continuous surface does nothave a recess or other similar features.

Since liner 14 is positioned between the backlighting apparatus 121 andthe water W in the swimming pool, it is not necessary to provide awaterproof seal between the front cover 124 and the rear wall 125 toprevent water from leaking into the backlighting apparatus, as thewaterproof liner 14 covers and seals the backlighting apparatus 121 frompool water W.

The backlighting apparatus 121 generally includes a housing 123 formounting on the sidewall 120. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the housing 123 includes a front cover 124 and a rear wall 125.Generally, the backlighting apparatus 121 also includes light sources122 located within the housing 123 between the front cover 124 and therear wall 125. In some embodiments, the rear wall 125 may also includean upper flange 128 for facilitating mounting the housing 123 to thesidewall 120.

The front cover 124 is generally made of a light-transmitting materialthat allows light generated by the light sources 122 to pass through thefront cover 124 and the light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14 toilluminate the pool. In some embodiments, the front cover 124 can bemovable to provide access to the light sources 122. For example, asshown in FIG. 9A, the front cover 124 can be hingedly connected to therear wall 125 at a hinge 126 allowing the front cover 124 to be pivotedfrom a closed position (as shown in FIG. 9A) into an open position foraccessing the light sources 122.

The hinge 126 can be provided at an upper end of the rear wall 125 abovethe waterline W_(L) of the pool, such that the weight of the water Wacting against the front cover 124 tends to secure the front cover 124in the closed position without the need for a latching mechanism. Inother embodiments, such as where the hinge 126 is provided below thewaterline W_(L) of the pool, one or more latching mechanisms could beused to secure the front cover 124 in the closed position to protect thelight sources 122 when the pool is being used.

The hinge 126 can be any suitable mechanism for providing a hinge joint,such as a piano hinge, a bolted connection or a flexible portionprovided in the housing 123 between the front cover 124 and the rearwall 125.

In some embodiments, the front cover 124 can be made of a rigidtransparent or translucent material, such as a rigid plastic or glass,which provides a high level of protection for the light sources 122.This may be desirable where there are concerns that the light sources122 could become damaged during use of the pool. In other embodiments,the front cover 124 can be made of a more flexible material, such as aresilient plastic or rubber, which may provide reduced levels ofprotection for the light sources 122. This may be desirable where thelight sources 122 are sufficiently durable such that a reduced level ofprotection is acceptable, for example, where the light sources aredurable LED modules.

In some embodiments, the rear wall 125 may support the light sources 122and may provide a mounting surface for mounting the housing 123 to thesidewall 120. The rear wall 125 can be secured to the sidewall using anysuitable attachment techniques such as using an adhesive, glue orsimilar material, or using bolts, screws or other fasteners. Mountingthe rear wall 125 in this manner allows the rear wall 125 to be mountedto the sidewall 120 at a desired location in a permanent, semi-permanentor temporary manner, as desired. For example, the backlighting apparatus121 could be mounted using a permanent adhesive during retrofitting ofan existing pool at a person's home. Alternatively, a temporary adhesiveor bolts could be used where the backlighting apparatus 121 is beingused at a temporary exhibition, such as at a trade-show.

In some embodiments, the rear wall 125 may not be secured to thesidewall 120, and the upper flange 128 may provide the mounting surfacefor gluing or otherwise fastening the housing 123 to the sidewall 120.Alternatively, both the rear wall 125 and upper flange 128 could be usedfor mounting the housing 123 to the sidewall 120.

In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 9C, a housing 123 canbe provided without a rear wall 125. In such embodiments, the housing123 may be mounted to the surface of the sidewall 120 using only theupper flange 128. As shown, in some embodiments, the light sources 122could be secured to the front cover 124 using brackets 127. In otherembodiments, the light sources 122 could be affixed directly to thesurface of the sidewall 120, for example by using an adhesive or otherfastener.

The light sources 122 can be any suitable light source, for examplefiber optic strips or the LED modules 40, as described above.

During use, the housing 121 is generally mounted on the sidewall 120between the sidewall and the liner 14 such that the front cover 124 isin alignment with the light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14, asshown in FIG. 9A. This allows light from the light sources 122 to passthrough the front cover 124 and the light-transmitting portion 16 toilluminate the pool.

In some embodiments, the liner 14 can be a pre-existing liner providedwith the pool. In such embodiments, the light-transmitting portion 16may not be a distinct part of the liner 14, but might simply refer toany part of the liner 14 that cooperates with the light sources 122 toallow light to pass from the light sources 122 through the liner 14 toilluminate the pool.

In some embodiments, the front cover 124 may include one or morepatterns thereon, such as regions having different light-transmittingproperties or different colors. Thus, the backlighting apparatus 121 canbe used to provide a desired pattern of illumination having differentlight intensities and/or colors.

In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus 121 may be mounted in apool wherein the sidewall 120 is made of concrete or gunite, and whereno pre-existing pool liner is present. In such embodiments, liner 14 canbe added to the pool to protect the backlighting apparatus 121 from thewater W.

In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus 121 can be used toilluminate a portion of the swimming pool. In other embodiments, one ormore backlighting apparatus 121 can be used to provide a generallycontinuous distribution of light about the perimeter of the pool.

Turning now to FIG. 10A to 10C, a backlighting apparatus 130 is providedaccording to another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the backlighting apparatus 130 comprises a light source,such as a plurality of LED modules 40, provided in an opening defined bya rear sheet portion 132 and a cover sheet portion 134. In someembodiments, the rear sheet portion 132 and cover sheet portion 134 aremade of a flexible rubber or plastic, such as PVC, with at least thecover sheet portion 134 being made of light-transmitting material.

In some embodiments, the rear sheet portion 132 and cover sheet portion134 can be provided as separate sheets that are secured together to formthe opening therebetween. The backlighting apparatus 130 could then beassembled by providing the LED modules 40 in the opening between therear sheet portion 132 and the cover sheet portion 134, and thensecuring the rear sheet portion 132 and cover sheet portion 134together, such as by heat-welding along seams 136, or using an adhesive,or otherwise. In some embodiments, the seams 136 of the backlightingapparatus 130 may be waterproof and may inhibit water from enteringbetween the rear sheet portion 132 and cover sheet portion 134 andcontacting the LED modules 40.

In other embodiments, the rear sheet portion 132 and the cover sheetportion 134 could be provided as a single sheet of material that isfolded over and secured together to define the opening. In yet otherembodiments, the rear sheet portion 132 and cover sheet portion 134 canbe provided as a continuous tube-like sheet having an opening therein.

During use, the backlighting apparatus 130 can be permanently,semi-permanently or temporarily mounted on the sidewall 120 of a pool toprovide for illumination of all or a portion of the pool. As shown inFIG. 10B, in some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus 130 is mountedon the sidewall between the liner 14 and the sidewall 120 so that thecover sheet portion 134 is at least partially in alignment with thelight-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14. In this manner, lightfrom the LED modules 40 can pass through the cover sheet portion 134 andthe light-transmitting portion 16 of the liner 14 to illuminate thepool. The backlighting apparatus 130 can be mounted to the sidewall 120by any suitable techniques, such as using glue or adhesive, screws,nails or other fasteners.

In some embodiments, the cover sheet portion 134 can have a patternthereon, such as regions with different light-transmitting properties orcolors, allowing the backlighting apparatus 130 to provide pool lightingand other aesthetic effects.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10C, the backlighting apparatus130 can be provided on a roll 140 to facilitate transportation. Asshown, wires 46 protrude from one end 142 of the roll 140. This canfacilitate connection of the backlighting apparatus 130 to a powersystem for powering the LED modules 40.

A person installing the backlighting apparatus 130 on a sidewall 120 ofa pool can cut a desired length from the roll 140 and then mount thatlength on the sidewall 120. Where two or more lengths of the roll 140need to be joined, for example where a single roll 140 is not longenough to accommodate a particular pool, the rear sheet portion 132 andcover sheet can be partially removed from an end of the length to exposethe wires 46, allowing the wires 46 to be connected together to completethe electrical circuit.

In embodiments where the backlighting apparatus 130 is mounted in a pooland directly exposed to the water W (e.g. the backlighting apparatus 130is not provided between the liner 14 and the sidewall 120 of the pool),silicone or some other sealant can be used for waterproofing of theelectrical connections and to seal any gaps in the seams 136. Forexample, the seals may protect the connections of the wires 46 and theLED modules 40 from exposure to the water W.

In some embodiments, a backlighting apparatus such as backlightingapparatus 121 or backlighting apparatus 130 can be mounted on anotherpart of the pool as opposed to the sidewall 120 of a pool. For example,the backlighting apparatus 130 could be mounted to the bottom of aparticular pool.

What has been described is merely illustrative of the application ofsome embodiments of the invention. Other systems, apparatus and methodscan be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe present invention, the scope of which is defined by the followingclaims.

1. A lighting system for a swimming pool, comprising: a) a sidewallsized and shaped to define a perimeter of the swimming pool; b) a linerfor covering the sidewall and a bottom of the swimming pool so as tocreate a watertight cavity for receiving water, the liner including alight-transmitting portion; and c) a backlighting apparatus for mountingto a generally continuous surface of the sidewall between the liner andthe sidewall and configured to transmit light through thelight-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool.2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the backlighting apparatuscomprises: a) a housing configured for mounting on the sidewall betweenthe liner and the sidewall, the housing having a light-transmittingfront cover configured to align with the light-transmitting portion ofthe liner; and b) at least one light source sized and shaped to fitwithin the housing for emitting light through the front cover toilluminate the pool.
 3. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein thehousing comprises a rear wall providing a mounting surface for mountingthe housing to the surface of the sidewall, and wherein the at least onelight source is secured to the rear wall.
 4. The lighting system ofclaim 2, wherein the housing comprises a flange providing a mountingsurface for mounting the housing to the surface of the sidewall.
 5. Thelighting system of claim 2, wherein the housing is mounted to thesidewall using an adhesive.
 6. The lighting system of claim 2 whereinthe light-transmitting front cover is made of a rigid material.
 7. Thelighting system of claim 2 wherein the light-transmitting front cover ismade of a flexible material.
 8. The lighting system of claim 3, whereinthe light-transmitting front cover is hingedly-connected to the rearwall and is movable from a closed position to an open position.
 9. Thelighting system of claim 1, wherein the backlighting apparatuscomprises: a) a rear sheet for mounting on the sidewall between theliner and the sidewall; b) a light-transmitting cover sheet secured tothe rear sheet; and c) at least one light source provided between therear sheet and the cover sheet for emitting light through the coversheet and the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate theswimming pool.
 10. A backlighting apparatus for a swimming pool having asidewall defining a perimeter of the swimming pool and a waterproofliner for covering the sidewall, comprising: a) a housing for mountingto a generally continuous surface of the sidewall between the sidewalland the liner, the housing comprising a light-transmitting front coverconfigured to align with a light-transmitting portion of the liner; andb) at least one light source shaped and sized to fit within the housingfor emitting light through the front cover and the light-transmittingportion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool.
 11. Thebacklighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a rearwall providing a mounting surface for mounting the housing to thesurface of the sidewall.
 12. The backlighting apparatus of claim 10,wherein the housing is mounted to the surface of the sidewall using anadhesive.
 13. The backlighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein thelight-transmitting front cover is made of a rigid material.
 14. Thebacklighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the light-transmitting frontcover is made of a flexible material.
 15. The backlighting apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the light-transmitting front cover ishingedly-connected to the rear wall and is movable from a closedposition to an open position.
 16. The backlighting apparatus of claim10, wherein the at least one light source is configured to provide agenerally continuous distribution of light around at least a portion ofthe perimeter of the swimming pool.
 17. The backlighting apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the light-transmitting portion of the liner includes adecorative pattern having portions of varying light transmittance. 18.The backlighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the light-transmittingportion of the liner is positioned proximate a water line when theswimming pool contains a pre-determined amount of water, such that anupper portion of the light-transmitting cover is above the waterline anda lower portion of the light-transmitting cover is below the water line.19. The backlighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least onelight source comprises a least one LED module.
 20. A backlightingapparatus for a swimming pool, comprising: a) a rear sheet portion formounting on a generally continuous surface of a portion of the poolbetween the portion and a liner of the swimming pool; b) alight-transmitting cover sheet portion connected to the rear sheetportion; and c) at least one light source provided between the rearsheet portion and the cover sheet portion for emitting light through thecover sheet portion to illuminate the pool.